Contentedfeatured

When the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Philippi, he was a prisoner in Rome. Astonishingly, Paul told his readers that he was contented: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11-12).  Merriam-Webster defines contented as “feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.” I am not at all sure that I would be showing or feeling satisfaction if I was unjustly imprisoned.

If contentment is only available when circumstances are ideal, the human race would very rarely experience contentment. Perfect circumstances are fleeting and often just beyond our grasp.

Paul revealed his secret for living a contented life in the verses just before the passage above. Verses four through nine tell us:

• Rejoice always (in every circumstance).
• Remember that the Lord is near.
• Don’t be anxious about anything.
• Take all your concerns before God with a thankful heart.
• Think about uplifting, admirable, and praiseworthy things.
• Put into practice what you have learned.

Paul is telling us that contentment is a choice, not an emotional reaction available only when our circumstances are close to ideal. On our own strength, we are incapable of following Paul’s advice. Paul acknowledges this in verse thirteen. “For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (TLB). Only through the strength of God’s Spirit do we have any hope of being content regardless of how good or bad our circumstances are.

When I am facing challenging or unwelcome situations, my first response is not always contentment and certainly not joy. A few months ago, my husband and I faced circumstances that were less than ideal.  While on vacation 1,000 miles from home, our house flooded due to a broken pipe. My initial reaction was fear, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness. And by the way, Satan loves it when we respond in this way! Thankfully my husband was a bit calmer than I was, and we began to take steps to deal with the situation.

That night I knew that without help from God, I would lie sleepless trying to figure out what needed to happen next. My mind would spiral into innumerable, useless thoughts of “what if.” I prayed for God to take those thoughts out of my mind.  I had a few false starts, but God granted my request and through his strength I was able to squelch those sleep-robbing thoughts. Throughout our recovery process, God has continued to help me live (for the most part!) in the truth found in Matthew 6:34: “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (TLB).

Contentment comes when we choose to trust God with our todays and tomorrows. With God’s help we can close the door to worry, fear, anxiety, and sleeplessness and put into action the wisdom of Philippians 4:4-9. We can experience his supernatural gift of contentment. Psalm 112:7 reassures us, “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

I hope this painting, Trustworthy, will remind me to look to the Cross when I let circumstances threaten to steal my contentment. I want to remember that when we respond to difficulties with contentment, gratitude, and even joy, not only is Satan unhappy, but God uses our supernatural responses to shed light in a dark world. We will probably never know who we have impacted, but we can be sure God will use our response for his good purposes. I pray that each of us will shine with God’s light today as we experience his gift of contentment.

P.S. Our home repairs are almost complete!